MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) presented a matrix during the 12th House Quad Committee hearing, establishing a direct link between Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) and illegal drug activities.

Deputy Director General Renato Gumban of the PDEA explained to the committee how transnational syndicates exploit legal loopholes to conduct illegal operations in the country.

Gumban stated that their investigation began on September 24, 2023, during a joint operation with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), the Bureau of Customs (BOC), and the National Intelligence Coordinating Council (NICA). The operation led to the seizure of 560 kilos of shabu worth P600 million.

The illegal drugs were found inside a warehouse owned by Willie Ong, also known as Cai Qimeng, who is allegedly involved in illicit activities. Gumban revealed that Ong is an incorporator of Golden Sun 999 Realty and Development Corporation, which is also linked to Rose Nono Lin, a businesswoman implicated in the P11 billion Pharmally Pharmaceutical Corporation controversy.

Lin, in turn, was linked to Michael Yang, who has been accused of managing logistics and finances for drug syndicates. Yang previously served as an adviser to former President Rodrigo Duterte.

The investigation also identified Hongsheng Gaming Technology Inc. as a significant player in the illegal operations. Hongsheng Gaming leased its facilities from Baufo Land Development, owned by Gua Hua Ping, also known as Alice Guo, a former mayor of Bamban, Tarlac.

📷 Screenshot from House of Representatives of the Philippines FB